Roy Keane hails Jude Bellingham as future great after England's win

Eight minutes into the match in Rijeka, Jude Bellingham slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Harry Kane, who slotted the opening goal. The assist set the tone for a dominant England display that would end in a 7‑0 rout. Roy Keane later declared Bellingham "one of the greatest players of all time".

Early on the pitch the Three Lions overwhelmed Croatia

Within the first thirteen minutes Bellingham added a second contribution, poking home Anthony Gordon's cross for England's second goal. Gordon then headed Jarell Quansah's superb cross to make it 3‑0 before half‑time. Bellingham also set up Bukayo Saka for the fourth, completing a relentless first‑half on foreign soil.

Bellingham's all‑action performance

The Real Madrid midfielder finished with one goal and three assists, accounting for four of England's seven goals. He has already recorded five goal involvements in seven league games for Real Madrid this season, underscoring his influence at club level.

Keane and Tuchel laud the display

Keane told ITV, "The package, his running power, his delivery, his goal threat – I think Bellingham can go on to be one of the greatest players of all time as long as he stays injury‑free and keeps his head." Tuchel added, "From the first minute to the last, everyone performed at the highest level – a complete performance on an away pitch."

Bellingham crowns Kane England GOAT as Tuchel backs Ballon d’Or bid

Record win and crowd details

England inflicted a record 7‑0 defeat on Croatia, a margin never before seen in Rijeka. Only 100 England supporters were admitted, while UEFA barred Croatian fans and allowed 6,342 schoolchildren into the stadium.

Future accolades and comparisons

John Cross wrote that Bellingham is a future Ballon d’Or winner and could become England's best‑ever player. He also noted that 41‑year‑old Luka Modric, a 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, was outshone by the English midfielder.

Midfield partnership and other England notes

Elliot Anderson and Alex Scott, both 23, formed a new‑look midfield partnership that had previously helped England’s under‑21s win the European Championship. Declan Rice may now have to fight for his place. Harry Kane, on 89 caps out of 124, is chasing 100 goals and, as Tuchel suggested, needs just 13 games to reach 13 goals.

Harry Kane matches Shilton's record and scores twice for England

Keane concluded that the sky is the limit for the talismanic 23‑year‑old, whose work‑rate and leadership continue to lift his teammates at both club and country.